College football picks, predictions against the spread for Week 0 matchups
Nebraska is back in the spotlight for Week 0.
The Huskers open the season with a Big Ten West showdown against Northwestern at the Avila Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Illinois defeated Nebraska 30-22 in their Week 0 opener last season.
This is the best game in a schedule that has seven games involving FBS schools on the schedule. Each week we pick each game against the spread for the top 25 teams. Here is a look at the track record of the last three years:
- 2021: 117-123
- 2020: 107-101
- 2019: 153-123
It’s time to get back on track for success, and that starts with week 0. A look at our picks for each of the FBS games:
MORE: Hot Seats | SN | Preseason All-America Team shell projections
Week 0 picks against the spread
Nebraska vs. Northwestern, Dublin, Ireland
12:30 p.m., FOX
Caesar’s line: Nebraska to 13
Sports Interaction Line: Nebraska through April 13
The Huskers dominated the Wildcats 56-7 last season, but that streak has stayed nice even since Nebraska joined the Big Ten. The Huskers have a new quarterback in Casey Thompson and a new offensive coordinator in Mark Whipple, and that will be key for Scott Frost in Year 5. The Wildcats will hang around with the help of a two-back attack in Cam Porter, who missed last season, and Evan Hull. This line has moved up two points since it opened, which is closer to the bottom line.
Choose: Nebraska wins 31-21 but can’t cover the span.
MORE: Nebraska Northwest breakdown
UConn in the state of Utah
4 p.m., FS1
Caesar’s line: Utah State through April 27
Sports Interaction Line: Utah State through April 27
Jim Mora Jr. is back on the sidelines and there’s plenty to do at UConn. The Huskies finished the season 1-11, giving up 40 or more points in seven games. Utah State’s Logan Bonner finished last season with 36 TDs and 12 interceptions, but last season’s top three goals are gone. There will be adjustment, and the Aggies are pulling up in the fourth quarter with a week one game against Alabama on the horizon.
Choose: Utah State wins 41-17 and fails to cover spread.
Wyoming near Illinois
4 p.m. BTN
Caesar’s line: no line
Sports Interaction Line: Illinois through April 10
Wyoming finished 7-6 under Craig Bohl last season, but they’re a .500-team ATS as away underdogs since Bohl took over. Illinois was 0-5 ATS as a favorite under Bret Bielema last year and that makes us nervous. Still, Wyoming is breaking in a new quarterback down the road, and the Illini should be an improved offense with Tommy DeVito down the middle. Chase Brown, who had 1,005 rushing yards last season, is leading the way.
Choose: Illinois wins 31-20 and covers the spread.
Charlotte at FAU
7 p.m., CBSSN
Caesar’s line: FAU through 7
Sports Interaction Line: FAU until May 7th
It’s a battle of 5-7 teams from last season. The Owls defeated the 49ers 38-9 in 2021. FAU quarterback N’Kosi Perry had 20 TDs and seven interceptions last season. FAU could be a C-USA contender this season, but that means taking care of business in games like this. Charlotte was 1-7 ATS as an underdog in 2021.
Choose: FAU wins 34-23 and covers the span.
North Texas at UTEP
9 p.m., stadium
Caesar’s line: straight
Sports Interaction line: even
This is a big opener in Conference-USA. The Mean Green defeated the Miners 20-17 last season and returning quarterback Austin Aune should be improved. Still, UTEP is at home where last season’s only home loss was against UTSA. If quarterback Gavin Hardison protects football, the Miners will come out on top. If the line tips in UTEP’s favor, then consider them favorites last season, 4-1 at ATS.
Choose: UTEP wins 28-24 in a PICK’EM.
Nevada in the state of New Mexico
10 p.m., ESPN2
Caesar’s line: Nevada through 9
Sports Interaction line: Nevada from 9
Nevada has a new coach in Ken Wilson, who was Oregon’s defensive coordinator last season. Carson Strong and Romeo Doubs have gone to the NFL. The Wolf Pack played a 55-28 shootout against the Aggies last season; something Wilson will try to slow down on his debut. Could be a big game for Toa Taua, Nevada’s leading rusher from last season.
Choose: Nevada wins 36-22 and covers the spread.
Vanderbilt (-7) in Hawaii
10 p.m., CBSSN
Caesar’s line: Vanderbilt through 7
Sports Interaction line: Vanderbilt from 7
Face it – you want to stay up and watch the Commodores and Warriors into the wee hours of Sunday morning. Vanderbilt needs this to start Clark Lea season two. Vanderbilt ranked 128th on offense last season with 15.8 points per game. Hawaii hero Timmy Chang returns as head coach and Brayden Schager will be a strong passer. The problem is that the warriors have poor defenses. It all adds up to an exciting end to Week 0.
Choose: Vanderbilt wins 33-30 but can’t cover the span.